I have been a tubular snob for a very long time, but no more. These wheels ride great with 25c Conti 5000 tires at 75lbs. The bearings are over the top smooth. Here in NE Pa. rides are always 100 feet of climbing per mile. When I compete I still ride tubulars.
I ride year around (190lbs). I was looking for a wider option to a Shimano Ultegra wheel set (which worked for years under these conditions). After 600 miles, half of which was in the rain, the rear free hub started to make a loud crackling noise. On inspection the free hub body was badly scored by my Shimano cassette. HED claims to have fixed the bearing issue. They did not fix the scoring. I was very disappointed with the wheels.
These wheels are great! I have been running tubeless and have about 500 miles on them so far and no flats. What a great feeling to go out for a ride and not worry about flats. These are so smooth and spin up very nice. A great light wheel set for the price, cant wait to get my cross tires on these and run these for CX.